The mining authorities have granted UK-based mining firm Aurasian Minerals (AuM) exclusivity over its three licence applications in Myanmar.

AuM in December submitted applications to explore copper, gold and silver in Myanmar.

“We have since been advised by the authorities that AuM’s applications to explore for copper, gold and silver mineralisation have been registered and that no other company can lodge an application which overlaps the areas applied for by AuM,” the company said in a statement.

However, the firm said for the moment its applications are regarded as “pending” due to the current security situation in the relevant mining areas.

AuM said the authorities have indicated that, following the granting of security clearance, they will process its applications after excising the jade and gem mining concessions that currently exist over the areas applied for.

As well as discussing these applications with the authorities the firm said it is also discussing with them other applications that it might submit.

The firm added that it will follow up on initial discussions it had with local companies that currently have licences.